A Faustian Tragedy – v2

A cautionary tale, a dream,
the sorrow of my homeland,
giving up so quickly,
complacent, complicit, losing,
our freedom, our independence…
 
A reproach to our neighbors,
to the ones who would come behind us,
to those around us, seeing,
three souls barred from heaven,
mocked on this earth…
 
A Faustian bargain, a tragedy,
not a comedy, real-life,
giving up life, liberty,
in quiet acquiescence,
in submission to evil…
 
A reproach, a reminder,
of the treachery of evil,
too good to be true,
receiving so little,
but costing so much…
 
--------
Edited October 31, 2024
A Faustian Tragedy – v2
 
after poem, “A Faustian Tragedy”,
based on the poems, “The Great Grave”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
called, “A Comedy”,
see Goethe
&
Written and posted October 7, 2024
Are the people blind
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/are-people-blind-fallen-from-heights.html
after poem, “Are the people blind”,
based on the poems, “The Great Grave”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 19, 2024
The Great Grave has been opened – v2
Typed October 19, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-great-grave-has-been-opened-v2_27.html
edited and posted October 18, 2024
The spell has been broken – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-spell-has-been-broken-v2_27.html
Written and posted October 17, 2024
The spell has been broken
typed October 18, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-spell-has-been-broken_26.html
after poem, “The spell has been broken”,
based on the poems, “The Great Grave”,
““To Marko Vovchok”,
about Maria Markovich,
and “Hosea, Chapter XIV”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
taking his poem into the Ukraine / Russia War
and the bravery of the people of Ukraine now
&
New/edited and posted October 16, 2024
The Great Grave has been opened
typed October 16, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-great-grave-has-been-opened.html
after poem, “The Great Grave has been opened”,
based on the poem, “The Great Grave”,
by Taras Shevchenko,
taking his poem into the Ukraine / Russia War
and the bravery of the people of Ukraine now
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history
 

Weep, oh weep, my poor Ukraina – v2

A dream, a nightmare, a terror, present,
weep, my dear mother, Ukraina,
at the tragedy unfolding,
the Moskals raging,
turncoats compromised,
joined in the greed, the beating,
harming of your people,
the bear on the rampage
while his master sits in opulence…
 
Weep, oh weep, my poor Ukraina,
at the telling of my dream,
the fate that has befallen you,
poor black-haired maidens, widows,
broken wandering orphans
under the sky, the poplars,
by the tombs high and mighty,
ancient power forgotten
under Moskal terror;
May you rise again.
 
--------
Edited October 31, 2024
Weep, oh weep, my poor Ukraina
 
after poem, “Weep, oh weep, my poor Ukraina”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
on the backs of the fallen – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/on-backs-of-fallen-v2.html
after poem, “on the backs of the fallen”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
the second stabbed with savage blow – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-second-stabbed-with-savage-blow-v2.html
after poem, “the second stabbed with savage blow”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
I fly after her unceasing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-fly-after-her-unceasing-v2.html
after poem, “I fly after her unceasing”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
I boldly walked within – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-boldly-walked-within-v2.html
after poem, “I boldly walked within”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
Again, I fly above the earth – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/again-i-fly-above-earth-v2.html
after poem, “Again I fly above the earth”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
a spectral being – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-spectral-being-v2.html
after poem, “a spectral being”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
St. John 14:17, God’s wrath on Russia…
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

on the backs of the fallen – v2

on the backs of their fallen
on their dead and buried bodies,
you built your palaces,
your façade of opulence…
 
upon the carnage, the pain,
the human wreckage,
of your greed for power,
your imperial lust…
 
you built a city, a cesspool,
cursed tsar and wicked ruler,
“Murderer and viper!”,
while we were in chains…
 
I will fly back
to my Ukraina
to our Dnipro and
see what you have left…
 
“Revel on O savage hangman,”
may you be forever cursed
all you have taken, slaughtered,
all you have fettered will be free at last.
 
--------
Edited October 31, 2024
on the backs of the fallen – v2
 
after poem, “on the backs of the fallen”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
the second stabbed with savage blow – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-second-stabbed-with-savage-blow-v2.html
after poem, “the second stabbed with savage blow”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
I fly after her unceasing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-fly-after-her-unceasing-v2.html
after poem, “I fly after her unceasing”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
I boldly walked within – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-boldly-walked-within-v2.html
after poem, “I boldly walked within”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
Again, I fly above the earth – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/again-i-fly-above-earth-v2.html
after poem, “Again I fly above the earth”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
a spectral being – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-spectral-being-v2.html
after poem, “a spectral being”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
St. John 14:17, God’s wrath on Russia…
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

the second stabbed with savage blow – v2

so much blood, pain,
the cost to mankind,
a family of hate, of dread,
held within the ancient walls,
their hearts, their souls a crypt…
 
two of a kind, a pair,
savages of truth, destruction,
a dynasty of terror, torture,
for poor Ukraina, my love,
our history of suffering…
 
one who crucified, who destroyed,
who cut us to the quick,
the second his spawn,
his angry echo, a copy,
who stabbed with savage blow…
 
the tremor of their savagery,
an echo in this time, of evil,
the brutality of our masters,
hiding withing these gilded walls,
their monstrous deeds…
 
--------
Edited October 31, 2024
the second stabbed with savage blow – v2
 
after poem, “the second stabbed with savage blow”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
I fly after her unceasing – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-fly-after-her-unceasing-v2.html
after poem, “I fly after her unceasing”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
I boldly walked within – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-boldly-walked-within-v2.html
after poem, “I boldly walked within”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
Again, I fly above the earth – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/again-i-fly-above-earth-v2.html
after poem, “Again I fly above the earth”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
a spectral being – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-spectral-being-v2.html
after poem, “a spectral being”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
St. John 14:17, God’s wrath on Russia…
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

I fly after her unceasing – v2

o’er her hills and her valleys
a dream of flight, of flying,
above the forest, the harvest,
a life, alive, perchance to dream…
 
hiding high above her, homeward,
greeting his love, his dear Ukraina,
the flower, her youth faded
a life he longed for, evermore…
 
a prayer, a dream, a blessing,
falling down upon her, his wish,
gathering the orphans to him
his love for Ukraina…
 
bound to her black soil, his homeland,
communing with her nature,
talking the poplars, with meadows,
thick with morning dewdrops…
 
--------
Edited October 31, 2024
I fly after her unceasing – v2
 
after poem, “I fly after her unceasing”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
I boldly walked within – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-boldly-walked-within-v2.html
after poem, “I boldly walked within”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
Again, I fly above the earth – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/again-i-fly-above-earth-v2.html
after poem, “Again I fly above the earth”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
a spectral being – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-spectral-being-v2.html
after poem, “a spectral being”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
St. John 14:17, God’s wrath on Russia…
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 5, 2024
the second stabbed with savage blow
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-second-stabbed-with-savage-blow.html
after poem, “the second stabbed with savage blow”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

I boldly walked within – v2

 
In through the palace gates,
invisible to my tormentors,
I boldly walked within,
this gilded awful lair…
 
The Tsar, he strutted by
beside him the Empress also,
“Is that goddess, there, I see?
the devil take you now!”
 
Their lies, painful lies,
of brotherhood, in truth
“A Moskal’s word! God and read,
and see the faith they have!”…
 
The courtiers, the jesters,
the fetid awful lot, so evil,
fawned and preened within the court,
as they strutted out…
 
He struck and he struck again
some awful vicious game, repeated,
and each in turn fell into line,
and carried out the same…
 
--------
Edited October 31, 2024
I boldly walked within – v2
 
after poem, “I boldly walked within”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
Again, I fly above the earth – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/again-i-fly-above-earth-v2.html
after poem, “Again I fly above the earth”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
a spectral being – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-spectral-being-v2.html
after poem, “a spectral being”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
St. John 14:17, God’s wrath on Russia…
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 5, 2024
I fly after her unceasing
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-fly-after-her-unceasing_24.html
after poem, “I fly after her unceasing”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 5, 2024
the second stabbed with savage blow
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-second-stabbed-with-savage-blow.html
after poem, “the second stabbed with savage blow”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
out on the roaring sea – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/out-on-roaring-sea-v2.html
after poem, “out on the roaring sea”,
based on the poems, “Hamaliya” and “Ivan Pidkova”,
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

Again, I fly above the earth – v2

Again, I fly above the earth, rising,
above my pain, above my sorrow,
free of the steps on this mortal coil…
 
I rise above them, the hills, the cabin,
I break free of the fetters, my bonds,
chains that bind us to the earth…
 
Why this torture, under the heavens,
my poor soul chained within my body,
endless, bitter suffering and pain…
 
Again, I fly above the poplars, hedgerows,
gathering seeds of my people, diaspora,
to go and grow out in the world…
 
The city glows as if on fire; burning,
the Moskals unto Moscow, plying,
to the Tsar’s evil courts…
 
--------
Edited October 31, 2024
Again, I fly above the earth – v2
 
after poem, “Again I fly above the earth”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
a spectral being – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-spectral-being-v2.html
after poem, “a spectral being”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
St. John 14:17, God’s wrath on Russia…
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 5, 2024
I fly after her unceasing
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-fly-after-her-unceasing_24.html
after poem, “I fly after her unceasing”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 5, 2024
the second stabbed with savage blow
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-second-stabbed-with-savage-blow.html
after poem, “the second stabbed with savage blow”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 5, 2024
I boldly walked within
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-boldly-walked-within_24.html
after poem, “I boldly walked within”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 31, 2024
out on the roaring sea – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/out-on-roaring-sea-v2.html
after poem, “out on the roaring sea”,
based on the poems, “Hamaliya” and “Ivan Pidkova”,
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

You are my dream – v2

You are my spirit’s dream,
my heart’s desire,
You are the One,
I have been dreaming of…
 
You are my breath,
my heart overflowing,
You are the joy
that is in my life…
 
You are my dream, my world,
my quest, my desire,
You are my hope
for a happy life…
 
I love you more, sweetheart,
than you can imagine,
You are the One
I have been dreaming of…
 
-------------
Edited October 31, 2024
You are my dream – v2
 
&
Edited October 30, 2024
Your nectar on my face – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/your-nectar-on-my-face-v2.html
&
Edited October 30, 2024
as my world fell into darkness – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/as-my-world-fell-into-darkness-v2.html
about the night of October 2, 2024
&
Edited October 30, 2024
my black-haired maiden – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-black-haired-maiden-v2.html
after poem, “my black-haired maiden”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
Poetry, face, images, beauty, love, model, wife, husband, love making, romance,
 
#Poetry #face #images #model #romance #wife #husband #lovemaking

out on the roaring sea – v2

leaving the Dnipro,
that safe harbor
out on the roaring sea,
venturing onward, forward,
for honor, for conquest
the glory of Ukraina,
the land that they love…
 
battling the sultan’s armies,
in the mighty fortress, the city,
“the Kozaks charge without a waver”,
breaking the chains, the fetters,
rising, freed, flying, sailing,
below the Bosphorus, red with blood,
flying, rising, to the heights…
 
gathering onward, onto the vessels,
plying the mountain-high red waves,
sailing homeward with Hamaliya,
for the glory of conquest,
rich in the harvest, the plunder,
hiding within, behind, the billows,
heading for Zaporazhtsy, on toward home…
 
--------
Edited October 31, 2024
out on the roaring sea – v2
 
after poem, “out on the roaring sea”,
based on the poems, “Hamaliya” and “Ivan Pidkova”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 4, 2024
a hard path chosen
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-hard-path-chosen_24.html
after poem, “a hard path chosen”,
based on the poem, “Dumka”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
A death sentence – v2
 https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-v2.html
About the 10-year prison sentence against
Taras Shevchenko, which included the barring
from any writing or sketches, by the Tsar himself…
&
Written and posted October 3, 2024
Tales of Ukraina
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/tales-of-ukraina_24.html
after poem, “Tales of Ukraina”,
based on the poem, “Prelude” of “The Haydamaki”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted September 29, 2024
A voice against injustice
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-voice-against-injustice.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/15/24
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

not submissive - v2

not submissive,
but an equal, a fire
a fellow Slav, a river
a noble brother, partner,
only together, Slavic rivers
one to another, hand in hand,
seeing each other as one people,
seeing each a brother, as family…
 
different peoples, but one people,
united, only then shall we gather
may we tarry, gather, travel
in a group, as neighbors
only a people, kinsman,
though we are many,
together as one family,
one common blood…
 
--------
Edited October 31, 2024
not submissive - v2
 
after poem, “not submissive”,
based on the poems, “Šafárik”,
rebuke of Pushkin’s poem,
“To the Slanderers of Russia”,
to submit to the domination of Russia…
by Taras Shevchenko,
about Pavel Jozef Šafárik
&
Written and posted October 5, 2024
I fly after her unceasing
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-fly-after-her-unceasing_24.html
after poem, “I fly after her unceasing”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 5, 2024
the second stabbed with savage blow
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-second-stabbed-with-savage-blow.html
after poem, “the second stabbed with savage blow”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 5, 2024
I boldly walked within
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-boldly-walked-within_24.html
after poem, “I boldly walked within”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 5, 2024
Again, I fly above the earth
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/again-i-fly-above-earth_24.html
after poem, “Again I fly above the earth”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 4, 2024
a spectral being typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-spectral-being_24.html
after poem, “a spectral being”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
St. John 14:17, God’s wrath on Russia…
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted September 29, 2024
A voice against injustice
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-voice-against-injustice.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/15/24
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

coiled trumpets – v2

wearing their royal regalia,
vibrant colors of their clan,
holding to the fence behind them
buglers ready for battle,
their banners held high…
resting, ready at the ramparts,
heeding the battle cry.
 
coiled trumpets, at the ready,
their lips on the mouthpiece,
ready to blow, the battle cry,
strong and steady the archers,
horseback riders lined up row on row,
all of them heed the drummers,
for the buglers, their battle cry…
 
====
Edited October 31, 2024
coiled trumpets – v2
 
Written and posted October 4, 2024
coiled trumpets
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/coiled-trumpets.html
&
edited November 5, 2014
An Echo of Her Glories – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/11/an-echo-of-her-glories-v2.html
August 4, 2008
An Echo of Her Glories
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/08/echo-of-her-glories.html
morning glories by the church
Suncook United Methodist Church
and those of my paternal grandmother,
Jessie Watson Foss, forty years ago
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
Christ, Communion, creator, cup, daughter, Faith, Family, flowers, fruit, garden, God, hands, Jessie Foss, love, memories, morning glories, mother, Nature, sharing,
 
#Christ #Communion #creator #cup #daughter #Faith #Family #flowers #fruit #garden #God #hands #love #memories #morningglories #mother #Nature #sharing
 

a spectral being – v2

The Spirit of Truth,
a spectral being,
a breath, a whisper of God,
unseen, invisible, mysterious,
because we cannot see it,
we cannot perceive spirit,
for we know Him not…
 
The Spirit of Truth,
an indictment, a rebuke,
speaking out against injustice,
words we refuse, we deny,
invisible hand of God, presence,
a mystery, a whisper, a prayer,
imparted by our Father, by God…
 
--------
Edited October 30, 2024
a spectral being – v2
 
after poem, “a spectral being”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
St. John 14:17, God’s wrath on Russia…
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 5, 2024
I fly after her unceasing
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-fly-after-her-unceasing_24.html
after poem, “I fly after her unceasing”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 5, 2024
the second stabbed with savage blow
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-second-stabbed-with-savage-blow.html
after poem, “the second stabbed with savage blow”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 5, 2024
I boldly walked within
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-boldly-walked-within_24.html
after poem, “I boldly walked within”,
based on the poems, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 5, 2024
Again, I fly above the earth
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/again-i-fly-above-earth_24.html
after poem, “Again I fly above the earth”,
based on the poem, “The Dream”,
by Taras Shevchenko
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history

A hard path chosen – v2

a hard path chosen, going,
away from home and loved ones,
the Kozak spirit calling,
across the blue sea…
 
“Far from home the Kozak’s sitting”,
pining for a future, a hope,
returning from his sorrow
an orphan in distant lands…
 
--------
Written and posted October 4, 2024
a hard path chosen
 
after poem, “a hard path chosen”,
based on the poem, “Dumka”,
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited October 30, 2024
A death sentence – v2
 https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-death-sentence-v2.html
About the 10-year prison sentence against
Taras Shevchenko, which included the barring
from any writing or sketches, by the Tsar himself…
&
Written and posted October 3, 2024
a loving tribute
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-loving-tribute_24.html
after poem, “a loving tribute”,
based on the poem, “To the Eternal Memory
of Kotlarevsky”, written in 1838, before Kobzar,
published in the almanac, “Swallow”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 3, 2024
Tales of Ukraina
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/tales-of-ukraina_24.html
after poem, “Tales of Ukraina”,
based on the poem, “Prelude” of “The Haydamaki”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited and posted October 3, 2024
I sing what thou hast whispered – v2
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-sing-what-thou-hast-whispered-v2.html
after poem, “I sing what thou hast whispered – v2”,
based on the poem, “Prelude” of “The Haydamaki”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 3, 2024
A word of caution
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-word-of-caution_24.html
after poem, “A word of caution”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
and John 4: 5-30 (woman at the well)
&
Written and posted October 2, 2024
my black-haired maiden
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-black-haired-maiden_24.html
after poem, “my black-haired maiden”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted September 29, 2024
A voice against injustice
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-voice-against-injustice.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/15/24
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history
 

A death sentence – v2

A soul-crunching punishment,
meted out, an injustice,
a cruel dagger to his heart,
pain for a decade…
 
Weight of the judgement upon him,
a thumb on the scales of justice,
pique of the Tsar upon him,
a death sentence, so cruel…
 
Killing the spirit of the poet,
of this blessed artist,
unable to explore beauty,
to use his gifts from God…
 
A tomb like no other, crushing,
more than chains of iron,
unable to offer, to create
to share his love for Ukraine…
 
--------
Edited October 30, 2024
A death sentence – v2
 
About the 10-year prison sentence against
Taras Shevchenko, which included the barring
from any writing or sketches, by the Tsar himself…
&
Written and posted October 3, 2024
a loving tribute
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-loving-tribute_24.html
after poem, “a loving tribute”,
based on the poem, “To the Eternal Memory
of Kotlarevsky”, written in 1838, before Kobzar,
published in the almanac, “Swallow”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 3, 2024
Tales of Ukraina
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/tales-of-ukraina_24.html
after poem, “Tales of Ukraina”,
based on the poem, “Prelude” of “The Haydamaki”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Edited and posted October 3, 2024
I sing what thou hast whispered – v2
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-sing-what-thou-hast-whispered-v2.html
after poem, “I sing what thou hast whispered – v2”,
based on the poem, “Prelude” of “The Haydamaki”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted October 3, 2024
A word of caution
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-word-of-caution_24.html
after poem, “A word of caution”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
and John 4: 5-30 (woman at the well)
&
Written and posted October 2, 2024
my black-haired maiden
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/my-black-haired-maiden_24.html
after poem, “my black-haired maiden”,
based on the poem, “Katerina”
by Taras Shevchenko
&
Written and posted September 29, 2024
A voice against injustice
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/a-voice-against-injustice.html
Poems about Ukraine and the book, The Poet of Ukraine,
about the life and poetry of the Bard of Ukraine, Taras Shevchenko,
which I read after Hurricane Helene,
from 9/29/2024 to 10/15/24
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, war, terror, genocide, Russia, peace, victory, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, freedom, independence, history, glory, pain, serfdom, muse, prison,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #war #terror #genocide #Russia #peace #victory #TarasShevchenko #Taras #Shevchenko #muse #Ukrainian #glory #serfdom #prison #freedom #independence #history
 

the smile of the assassin – v3

when that moment comes,
a dagger at the ready,
within the halls of the Kremlin,
the smile of the assassin,
the grin of the hunt,
seeking his damned prey…
 
stealth his watchword,
silently approaching,
the embodiment of evil,
Putin the Illegitimate,
no remorse, no hesitation,
deftly thrusting the knife…
 
twisting the dagger,
swiftly, with purpose,
looking into his eyes,
astonishment on his face,
unbelieving, terror, judgement,
that he ever got this close…
 
---------- 
Edited October 30, 2024
the smile of the assassin – v3
 
Edited October 25, 2024
the smile of the assassin – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-smile-of-assassin-v2.html
Written and posted October 3, 2024
the smile of the assassin
typed October 15, 2024
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-smile-of-assassin_24.html
&
Edited October 30, 2024
the threat within – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-threat-within-v2.html
inspired by posts by Vladimir Kara-Murza
and Bill Browder.
&
Edited October 30, 2024
the drum beats louder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-drum-beats-louder-v2.html
&
Edited October 2, 2024
the threat much closer – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-threat-much-closer-v5_23.html
typed October 15, 2024
September 10, 2024
The stain of innocent blood – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/the-stain-of-innocent-blood-v5.html
This poem is about the character Pontius Pilate in the novel, Master and Margarita,
by Mikhail Bulgakov, where Pilate is spending eternity, not in heaven or hell,
but trying to wash the innocent blood Jesus Christ from his hands.
This poem is transferring that same nightmarish judgment on Vladimir Putin
for the innocent blood of the people of Ukraine...
originally drafted April 1, 2022, 38 days into the full-scale invasion
&
Edited September 25, 2024
History will curse him – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/history-will-curse-him-v2.html
Edited September 25, 2024
His fall will be epic – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/his-fall-will-be-epic-v2.html
Edited September 25, 2024
He is an Anti-Christ, a Satan – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/he-is-anti-christ-satan-v2.html
Edited September 25, 2024
His arrogance, his ego – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/his-arrogance-his-ego-v2.html
Edited September 25, 2024
the soul of a monster
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/the-soul-of-monster.html
September 24, 2024
Twitter post by Roman Sheremeta
https://x.com/rshereme/status/1838598704401457311
“One of the main russian propagandists Solovyev suggests
Putin's resignation, blaming the russian leadership for failures at the frontline.”
Edited September 23, 2024
Human life is all that matters – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/human-life-is-all-that-matters-v3.html
Edited September 22, 2024
Each human life is important – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/each-human-life-is-important-v2.html
Refuting the clear message of Putin’s war of aggression that,
“Human life is unimportant”
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
-------------
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, Russia, collapse, Putin, freedom, coup, coup d état, threat, fear, paranoia, Kremlin, Bulgakov, Master and Margarita, innocent blood, assassin,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #Russia #collapse #Putin #freedom #coup #coupdetat #threat #fear #paranoia #Kremlin #Pilate #Bulgakov #MasterandMargarita #sin #stain #innocentblood #assassin

the threat within – v2

his fate, his terror, death,
within the walls of the Kremlin,
the tipping point coming,
does he hear their footsteps…
 
soon, very soon, quickly,
he may feel the dagger,
the burn of the poison,
wicking his life, in pain…
 
his days are numbered,
holding stolen power,
soon people will rise up,
to reclaim their land…
 
the momentum is rising, building,
within the walls of the Kremlin,
his gilded dungeon, his office,
will become his death, his tomb…
 
---------- 
Edited October 30, 2024
the threat within – v2
 
inspired by posts by Vladimir Kara-Murza
and Bill Browder.
&
Edited October 30, 2024
the drum beats louder – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-drum-beats-louder-v2.html
&
Edited October 2, 2024
the threat much closer – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/10/the-threat-much-closer-v5_23.html
typed October 15, 2024
September 10, 2024
The stain of innocent blood – v5
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/the-stain-of-innocent-blood-v5.html
This poem is about the character Pontius Pilate in the novel, Master and Margarita,
by Mikhail Bulgakov, where Pilate is spending eternity, not in heaven or hell,
but trying to wash the innocent blood Jesus Christ from his hands.
This poem is transferring that same nightmarish judgment on Vladimir Putin
for the innocent blood of the people of Ukraine...
originally drafted April 1, 2022, 38 days into the full-scale invasion
&
Edited September 25, 2024
History will curse him – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/history-will-curse-him-v2.html
Edited September 25, 2024
His fall will be epic – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/his-fall-will-be-epic-v2.html
Edited September 25, 2024
He is an Anti-Christ, a Satan – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/he-is-anti-christ-satan-v2.html
Edited September 25, 2024
His arrogance, his ego – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/his-arrogance-his-ego-v2.html
Edited September 25, 2024
the soul of a monster
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/the-soul-of-monster.html
September 24, 2024
Twitter post by Roman Sheremeta
https://x.com/rshereme/status/1838598704401457311
“One of the main russian propagandists Solovyev suggests
Putin's resignation, blaming the russian leadership for failures at the frontline.”
Edited September 23, 2024
Human life is all that matters – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/human-life-is-all-that-matters-v3.html
Edited September 22, 2024
Each human life is important – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/each-human-life-is-important-v2.html
Refuting the clear message of Putin’s war of aggression that,
“Human life is unimportant”
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
-------------
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, Russia, collapse, Putin, freedom, coup, coup d état, threat, fear, paranoia, Kremlin, Bulgakov, Master and Margarita, innocent blood,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #Russia #collapse #Putin #freedom #coup #coupdetat #threat #fear #paranoia #Kremlin #Pilate #Bulgakov #MasterandMargarita #sin #stain #innocentblood